Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book an appointment?

Our opening hours are wednesday friday & saturday 9-5pm. You can ring our booking number 01524 39603
If we are busy please leave your name and number on the answering machine, we will ring you back as soon as possible, and try to organise an appointment at your convenience or simply answer any questions you may have. Alternatively you can email us at info@bayscan.co.uk

Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a note from your doctor or health professional.
This is a scan of your choosing. 

Do I still need to attend my hospital scan?
YES,  normally this scan will not replace your hospital scan, always follow the advice of your health professional.

Who will perform my scan?
Your scan will be performed by a fully qualified experienced sonographer.
If you decide to have an NT scan, this will be performed by a fully qualified experienced sonographer, who holds NT certification, as regulated by the fetal medicine foundation.

Will having a scan put me or my baby at risk?
Ultrasound is used everyday to scan thousands of mothers and babies. Over the past 30 years ultrasound has not been shown to harm either mother or baby. We use new high specification GE equipment, which is safety checked, and all our staff are fully qualified.

When should I come for my 3D/4D scan?
In order to gain optimum results, we would advise you to have your scan between 26 and 32 weeks.  Please try to book a few weeks in advance if possible.

Do I need a full bladder?
Not if you are coming for a 3D/4D scan. If you are attending for an early dating/reassurance scan then we may need you to drink some water, however we will advise you when booking.

Can I bring anybody with me to watch the scan?
Yes, you probably want to share this amazing experience with family or friends,  four people can sit in the scan room.

Do I need to bring my hospital antenatal notes with me?
Yes this is always a good idea,  in some cases we may need refer to your notes for dating, or for your health professional contact details.

Will I always get good images of my baby?
Most of the time you will. However, there is a possibility that your baby will lie in a position which will prevent us from gaining our usual standard of image.  If this happens, don’t worry, we will ask you to move around, or even go for a short walk, then we will try again. If we are still struggling, we will book you a further appointment at no extra cost.

How can I pay for my scan?
You can pay on the day of your scan using any one of the following methods :
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Swith, Delta.
Please note that you can pay by cheque with a valid cheque card, either 7 days before the scan to allow  for clearance, or on the day, and your DVD will be posted to you when the cheque clears.  Cash is also fine.

How long will my scan last?
This will depend on the type of scan, but for most of the 3D/4D scans we advise you to allow at least 1 hour. For many of the other scans this may be shorter, usually 30 minutes, but we will advise you when booking.

Can I find out the gender of my baby?
From 16 weeks onwards we will attempt to sex your baby, at your request.  We would never tell you the gender of your baby without your specific request.

What happens if you find an unexpected problem with my baby?
From time to time we will discover a possible problem with a baby. In which case we will try to explain the findings to you. We will then ask your permission to liaise with your local hospital or health professional.

The Combined test. Nuchal Translucency Scan (NT) + blood test

When do I have my NT scan?
The scan can be done between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days. It is usually done at about 12 weeks.
The blood test is normally done from 10 weeks.

What if i am unsure of my dates?
If you are considering the combined screening test, then knowing your dates is important. If you are unsure, you can ask your midwife or GP to arrange an early dating scan. Alternatively we can perform a dating scan for you.   

How do I book my NT scan?
You can ring the Leeds Antenatal Screening centre on  0113 262 1675
They will send you an information and blood sample pack. They will also answer any questions you may have at that time.
After contacting Leeds, you can arrange to have your NT ultrasound scan in Lancaster by ringing
BAY SCAN on 01524 39603, and we will arrange an appointment for you.

Who will take the blood sample?
It may be possible for your Community midwife to take the sample. Alternatively your GP/practise nurse may take the sample. If neither of these is possible Bay Scan can arrange for your blood sample to be taken by a qualified midwife.
Once the sample has been taken, send it to Leeds in the package supplied.

Do I need a full bladder for the NT scan?
Yes, it is usually helpful to have fluid in your bladder. We will give you instructions when you book your scan.

Who will perform the scan?
Experienced qualified sonographers, who are accredited by the Fetal Medicine Foundation, www.fetalmedicine.com.

When do I get the result of the NT test?
The NT measurement is only one part of the combined screening test. Bay Scan will fax your baby’s NT measurement to Leeds. They will then use a computer program to analyze 
the blood results, NT measurement and other factors such as gestational age.  You should ring Leeds directly for the result. This will usually be approximately 3-5 days after your scan. 

What happens if I get a high risk result?
You will be advised on the options available to you, by your consultant obstetrician. For further information about the combined test or Down’s Screening see the Leeds Antenatal Screening Service website  www.leeds.ac.uk/lass